ULI New York Blog

Industry Gathers to Celebrate ULI’s Leadership at the Summer Social

Over 200 people gathered at New York City’s iconic Helmsley Building on June 19 as ULI New York kicked off the summer season. Hosted at Monday Properties, the Summer Social event was highlighted as an evening of celebration as members and guests saluted outgoing Chairman, Richard Kessler, for his leadership and commitment over the past three years. Mr. Kessler, the Chief Operating Officer at Benenson Capital Partners, LLC and a long-time ULI New York leader, concludes his term having successfully spearheaded the launch of the District Council’s Local Product Council program.

Attendees, in conjunction with Mr. Kessler, welcomed ULI New York’s new leadership. Robert C. Lieber, the Executive Managing Director of the Island Capital Group and long-time ULI leader at the National level, will assume the role of Chair on July 1. Mr. Lieber will work with ULI New York’s Executive Director Felix A. Ciampa to build upon the strong foundation laid by past Chairs.

Maria Kastanis and Carol Roman enjoyed an evening of celebration and networking with industry professionals.

“I’m excited to see Mr. Lieber as the new ULI New York Chairman, and look forward to the idea, vision and leadership he will bring to the chapter. As a newspaper devoted to Metro New York real estate, it’s important for us to meet and connect with the personalities and businesses we write about. The ULI Summer Social is the perfect venue to do just that.” – Linda Barr O’Flanagan, Editor for Real Estate Weekly

“It’s certainly an exciting time to be in the landscape architecture and urban planning industry here in New York City. We have designed more than 100 public parks and plazas in the City including Capitol Plaza, Chelsea Waterside Park and Riverside Park South. ULI events, like the Summer Social, are a great way to meet industry professionals and talk shop. I’m looking forward to the next event.” – Jim Welsh, Senior Associate at Thomas Balsley Associates

“I think the ULI Summer Social is a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends in the New York real estate community. Being able to converse with industry veterans as well as the next generation of real estate leaders is time well spent.” – Joseph Weishaar, an Associate at CompassRock Real Estate and Manager of Peter Cooper Village / Stuyvesant Town

“New York’s real estate market has been really active this year and everyone has an interesting story to tell. The ULI Summer Social is an opportunity to catch up with friends in the industry, talk about exciting prospects and initiatives and this year we are also welcoming new leadership to the New York chapter. We have an exciting year ahead of us!” – Christopher Turner, Senior Director for Colliers International